05 Configuring

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Configuring the Start Menu & Desktop

Windows XP Pro offers many options to help you configure your computer. Below is a step-by-step guide to the basics of configuring the Windows XP Pro start menu.
  1. Start menu display options
  2. Customizing the Start menu
  3. Customizing the taskbar
  4. Selecting a desktop theme
  5. Changing your desktop's appearance
  6. Selecting a screen saver
1. Start menu display options
  • Place your cursor over the Start button, and right-click your mouse.
  • Select Properties. external image page_06_clip_image001.gif
  • Select the style of display that you prefer for the Start menu (XP's menu or the classic Windows menu). By clicking the radio buttons, you will be shown the display format of each option.
  • Click Apply and then OK.

2. Customizing the Start menu
  1. Place your cursor over the Start button, and right-click your mouse.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Select the Start Menu tab, and then click Customize.
  4. Select an icon size (large or small) for programs that appear in the Start menu.
  5. Select the number of frequently used programs to appear on the Start menu.
  6. In the Show on Start Menu, select the programs you use to connect to the Internet and for e-mail.

3. Customizing the taskbar
  1. Place your cursor over the Start button, and right-click your mouse.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Select where you would like your taskbar to appear under Taskbar Appearance.
  4. In the Notification Area, select whether you would like to see the clock and whether you would like to hide inactive icons.

4. Selecting a desktop theme
  1. Click Start.
  2. Select Control Panel, and then choose Appearance and Themes. (If you do not see Appearance and Themes, click the Control Panel link, and select Switch to Category View.)
  3. From the Pick a Task list, select Change the computer's theme.
  4. Click on the drop-down menu under Theme to see choices of themes. Highlight your theme preference.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.
  6. To preview a theme, highlight and then click the title.

5. Changing your desktop's appearance
  1. Click Start.
  2. Select Control Panel, and then choose Appearance and Themes. (If you do not see Appearance and Themes, click the Control Panel link, and select Switch to Category View.)
  3. From the Pick a Task list, select Change the desktop background.
  4. Scroll through the list of background choices, and then highlight your choice.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.
  6. To preview a background, highlight and then click the background.

6. Selecting a screen saver
  1. Click Start.
  2. Select Control Panel, and then choose Appearance and Themes. (If you do not see Appearance and Themes, click the Control Panel link, and select Switch to Category View. )
  3. From the Pick a Task list, select Choose a screen saver.
  4. Scroll through the list of screen savers, and then highlight your choice.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.
  6. To preview a screen saver, highlight it, and then select Preview.